Way back in 2011, we received our first Transpack Ski Boot Backpacks.
Although we’d previously instituted a “one-bag per person” family policy, we were using duffel bags.
The Transpack ski boot backpacks were enlightening. Each of us, even our kids, could carry our own boots, helmets and more on our backs, freeing up our hands to carry skis, poles, lunch and so on.
Transpack recently sent me an array of their latest products to review.
As always, I’m impressed with the quality, durability and design.
With the exception of the heated ski boot backpacks, all Transpack ski boot backpacks carry the boots on the sides of the pack, angled from the shoulders to the middle of the back to take pressure off the back and help keep you balanced. Unless you really hate carrying things on your back, we think you’ll find these backpacks surprisingly comfortable, even when stuffed full.
Transpack Ski Boot Backpack Line Up
Transpack TRV Pro, $139.95
This is our family’s go-to bag. The TRV Pro has 3300 cubic inches to load up and is designed for travel with zipper closures and straps that stow safely away for air travel. In all seriousness, we can each pack almost everything we need for skiing — clothing, boots, helmet, sunscreen, mittens and so on — in these packs. When we’re not traveling, we just pack the essentials. Either way, the packs are comfortable and most kids 12 and up should be able to carry one.
Transpack has Edge Junior, $54.95
The Edge Junior ski boot backpack is a perfect “first bag” for younger kids. The Edge series is for children about five years of age and older who are not quite ready for an adult pack. Available in solids and fun prints, the Edge Junior ski boot backpacks have zipper closings, a small interior pocket for little items, and hold ski boots up to size 6.
Transpack XT1 for Men, $79.95 and Transpack XTW for Women, $79.95
For adults and larger kids who prefer a pack made for days trips, the XT1 line for men (2800 cubic inches) and the XTW line for women (2400 cubic inches) are available in solids and prints. These packs have a buckle closing at the top, external side and top pockets and a small interior pocket for little items.. Lighter and smaller than the TRV Pro, kids 8 and up can easily carry one of these packs.
To see everything Transpack has to offer, visit their website.
Transpack Heated Boot Pro and Heated Boot Pro XL
My first thought when offered a Transpack Heated Boot Pro ski boot bag was “why”?
From this skeptical position, I have to admit I think Transpack’s heated ski boot backpacks are pretty nifty, especially from the standpoint of drying out and warming up boots.
One of the items we carry in our ski boot bags is a boot dryer or hot sticks. After every ski day, no matter what the conditions, no matter what the weather and no matter how sweaty or cold we were, we plug in our dryers and dry our boots overnight.
If you don’t have boot dryers, a heated pack can do the same. With three temperature controls (going up no higher than 140° to protect the boot materials), you can determine how much drying you need and for how long. Transpack recommends drying/heating boots for between 6 and 12 hours, maximum.
These heated ski boot backpacks have a front compartment that holds just your boots and a heating pad. The heating pad is not for use anywhere except in the bag and only with the cover over it. The pad plugs into either a polarized outlet or into your car for heating while driving.
Both the regular Heated Boot Pro and the Heated Boot Pro XL have zippered vents on top to let in additional air and let out heat. They both have a front pouch that unzips to hold a helmet and side pockets for other items. The side pockets on the XL version of the bag are significantly larger and can hold a lot more.
Transpack Double Vault Pro Ski Bag
If you ever fly with skis, you’ll need a good ski bag. We’ve also learned that if your kids go to college (it will happen!), they’ll need a good ski bag, if for no other reason than a bag is handy place to store skis in a dorm room.
The only Transpack ski bag we’ve used is the rolling Ski Vault Double Pro. As you might guess from its name, it holds two pairs of skis. I’ve reviewed the Ski Vault Double Pro before and you can read more here.
Transpack has other options including single ski bags, hard sided cases and snowboard bags.
The Ski Bat, A Game Changer
The Ski Bat is a nifty one-piece device that clips over junior skis in front of the bindings and behind the bindings, holding the skis securely together. Snap your child’s skis poles into the Ski Bat horizontally and you’ve got a quick and easy way to carry skis from the car to the base.
Transpack Goggle Shield and Goggle Cover
As you probably know, you should take your goggles off your helmet at the end of each ski day and store them in a protective bag. This helps prevent lens scratches and helps to keep goggles from getting broken or misshapen.
But what happens when you or your kids lose the bag the goggles came with or you want something a bit more protective? You need to get an inexpensive Goggle Shield or Goggle Cover.
The Goggle Shield is the sturdiest option with a stiff, neoprene lined protective lens shield and a full cover that snaps in the back. The Goggle Cover also has a neoprene lens cover, but no shield. Both offer more protection than the small fabric sack you may currently be using.
Goggle Grips
Another possible game changer for parents, we think Goggle Grip clips are especially helpful for young children.
Goggle Grips are two small stick-on plastic guides. Place one on each side of a ski helmet, just behind the ear piece and use them to align and hold the goggle strap in place. This means when your child puts his or her goggles on top of the helmet, they can’t slide over the top and dangle down the back.
Pretty smart.
Transpack TRV Pro Ski Boot Backpack, Glen Plake Edition
In the spirit of honoring of one of freeskiing’s most iconic athletes, we’re excited to share the Glen Plake Transpack TRV Pro ski boot backpack .
One of the packs in the Transpack Glen Plake series, this pack is the same as other TRV Pros, except that it comes in black and Glen Plake Lime and has a Glen Plake logo embroidered on it.
If you’re looking for a long-lasting, durable, and eminently useful ski boot backpack, this is the one.
Other Glen Plake series bags include a special edition Edge Junior, a special edition Sidekick Pro ski boot backpack, a special edition Heated Boot Pro XL and a special edition Ski Vault Double Pro.
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What a great giveaway! One of my sons has a Transpack Edge Jr and my husband has a Thule ski boot bag. It’s be great to have anther bag for my other son.
You will wonder how you lasted so long without it!
It’ll, not It’s (ugh…where’s my grammar) 😉
Thanks. You’re right. A bag per person is the way to go.
I love my Transpack boot bag and have used it for years. It leaves my hands free to carry items to the lodge.
Exactly and just like you infer, they last for years. Super durable!
I’ve happily carried my gear in a Transpack ever since you told me about them in 2014. These bags are tough, this one has travelled as airplane baggage several times, including a trip to Austria. I have the largest size and with some creative packing I’ve been able to carry everything needed for travel in it, including a dress to go to the opera (shoes, included) without needing another bag. Having free hands in an airport is a very good thing.
Please teach a class on packing! I am able to pack all me ski gear, but never fit a dress and heels into the mix!
Kristen, no packing talent here…I have the Competition Pro model, 4400 cu.inches, and fill every space, down into the toe of ski boots, etc..
Excellent advice. I will try to emulate your success!
Dave and I would love to try this awesome ski travel bag! Thanks for introducing us to this great item!
You’re welcome! These bags are great!
These look like great ski bags! having a good quality bag is so needed for ski families. My son has been using the same one for 10 years and still looks new.. My husband and daughter are in need of bags, thank you for the recommendation.
You bet! Good luck!
Timely post! We’re getting ready to take our first family ski trip outside of Colorado (meaning we’re flying and need a way to transport our gear)! Thanks for your insight, tips, and recommendations!
Flying somewhere to ski really focuses the mind on what you need and what you don’t. You definitely need good boot packs! Have fun!
These are going to be a much needed accessory! We too have always used duffel bags for our gear, but I love the idea of everyone having their own bag to carry! Thanks for the recommendation.
You will love them! And backpacks are much easier than duffels!
Awesome review – lots of great products to try out!
There are! And while the bags get the attention, the ski bats, clips and goggle covers are great little bits, too!
I have lived my Tanspack so much that I had to see the strap after it began to tear from use!!! The pack has been better to me than I’ve been to it. Would love a replacement.
Thanks Audrey! Good luck!
These are colorful and fun- would love to try one!
One? You’ll need four!
Great review and suggstions as always. We have put our ski/boot bags thru the wringer.
Thanks! Good luck!
Such a great giveaway! I appreciate your reviews to make life a little easier going skiing with my family.
You are most welcome!
We really need a boot bag in our family.
Good luck Laurel!
I have been searching on amazon for boot bags this year, we never got one and think its time, but just can never decide or waiting price to drop! thanks for info and chance to wine, checking review out now! –
Thanks Kim!
I have yet to own a transpack myself and like the colors!
You will want one, I promise!
Oh my goodness, we could definitely use a boot bag this year. It would sure make life more simpler! Thanks for the review!
And simpler is always better!
Both of my kids have their own bag. I think it’s time I get one of my own!
Smart mom!
My 7 yo son just learned to ski last winter and now he is sold…so of course we are pricing out all the gear we may need. Thanks for this give-away!
How exciting for the entire family!
Great details about the bags!
Glad they were helpful!
Very helpful. We are actively shopping for this type of bag. Will have to add these to the short list. Thanks!
Glad this helps!
Yes please! Amazing giveaway, thank you!
You are most welcome!
this is my sons fav color he would love this
That green is a great color, whether you call it electric, bright or Glen Plake green!
So, I’m kinda new-ish to skiing and didn’t even realize the need for a boot bag, but this seems like it would be pretty sweet.
Maybe it’s a bit of a “splurge” but once you have a boot bag, you’ll wonder how you stayed organized without it!